2025 ANNUAL GALA: CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF CONSERVATION & COMMUNITY
Wild Tomorrow’s Annual Fundraising Gala, held on Friday, November 14 at New York City’s iconic Plaza Hotel, was an extraordinary and unforgettable evening. The event raised $1.2 million in support of wildlife and wild spaces, with over 380 guests filling the legendary Grand Ballroom for New York City’s biggest night dedicated to African wildlife! We invite you to relive this incredible night and browse the event gallery below.
The Plaza Hotels Grand Ballroom
A NIGHT AT THE PLAZA
Guests arrived at the very festive Plaza Hotel, where the evening began with a lively cocktail hour and silent auction in the Terrace Room. Supporters mingled over the Golden Leopard, a signature cocktail crafted with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, while browsing the donated auction items and reconnecting with fellow champions of wildlife!
Adding to the energy of the evening, live artist Margarita Howis began creating her artwork during the cocktail hour – allowing guests to witness the piece take shape from its beginning brushstrokes. As the night progressed, Margarita continued painting live on stage in the Grand Ballroom, giving guests a front-row view of the artwork’s evolution throughout the event!
The evening then transitioned into the Grand Ballroom, where dinner, live entertainment, and the live auction unfolded beneath the glittering chandeliers...a fitting setting for a milestone celebrating!
HONORING A DECADE OF IMPACT
This year’s gala was especially meaningful, marking Wild Tomorrow’s 10th Anniversary. Beyond celebrating the funds raised and the impact made in 2025, the evening honored a decade of conservation, community partnership, and on-the-ground work in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, since the organization’s founding in 2015.
Co-founders John Steward and Wendy Hapgood shared the inspiring story of Wild Tomorrow’s beginnings. From John’s career in some of the world’s leading advertising agencies to Wendy’s work in the financial sector in Japan and on Wall Street, their paths were very different—but united by a shared passion for wildlife and a desire to create lasting change.
The evening opened with a breathtaking musical performance by Bongi and his band from the Broadway musical The Lion King, setting an emotional and powerful tone for the night. Many guests fondly remembered Bongi from his unforgettable 2024 gala debut, when he performed an original song composed especially for Wild Tomorrow. We are deeply grateful for his continued support and heartfelt connection to our mission.
Browse our gallery of photos by our Ambassador and event photographer, Charles Chessler (@charleschesslernyc).
The night was expertly MC’d by Wild Tomorrow Board Member Louis Buckworth, who guided the guests through a dynamic live auction and program that kept the energy high throughout the evening. The generosity in the room was undeniable, building steadily as supporters came together around a shared purpose.
When the fundraising total surpassed $1 million, the Grand Ballroom erupted in cheers and applause...a moment that capture the collective passion, commitment, and belief in Wild Tomorrow’s mission.
THANK YOU!
Wild Tomorrow extends our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this evening possible...our generous sponsors, attendees, donors, artists, partners, and friends who continue to stand beside us. Your belief in our mission and your commitment to protecting wildlife and wild spaces made this milestone celebration truly extraordinary.
Reaching this 10-year milestone would not have been possible without your generosity, support, and belief in our mission. Together, we are creating hope for wildlife and wild spaces to thrive for generations to come.
We are especially grateful to our sponsors of the evening, whose support helps fuel Wild Tomorrow’s conservation impact.